Damage to the nerves in the brachial plexus network. these nerves originate in the spinal column and innervate the shoulder, arm and hand. often, damage is sustained from overstretching or motor vehicle accidents.

A brachial plexus injury (BPI), also known as brachial plexus lesion, is an injury to the brachial plexus, the network of nerves that conducts signals from the spinal cord to the shoulder, arm and hand. These nerves originate in the fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth cervical (C5–C8), and first thoracic (T1) spinal nerves, and innervate the muscles and skin of the chest, shoulder, arm and hand. Brachial plexus injuries can occur as a result of shoulder trauma (e.g...